5 Psychological Benefits of BJJ - Mindfulness

Often mindfulness is discussed alongside yoga, or meditation, or anger management. It’s the idea that if we can be more aware and focused on our immediate surroundings, instead of being lost in thought, we’ll be happier overall and more effective at whatever we do. We can easily access powerful states of mindfulness through BJJ class, simply on the basis of the intensity of the experience. BJJ is not a full contact sport – in fact, it’s not really a contact sport at all. But it is an intense struggle for survival. It’s a real-world martial art based on real situations, without contrivance. Everything we do is applicable in the real world, so we practice at full speed with resisting opponents. We’re not just punching the air, or even a punching bag that can’t hit back. When you have an opponent sitting on your chest, trying to choke you, you’re there. That’s awareness, 100%. You cannot be more mindful than that. You simply can’t think about anything else – the rent, what your boss said after your presentation, or where you should take him or her for your date on Friday.

This translates to the rest of your life, your life outside of class, very well. because mindfulness is a skill that can be practiced and developed. When you learn to remain mindful in a very difficult situation, (guy choking you, for example) you can remain mindful in a less difficult situation, like a busy day in the office. Many new BJJ students report that after some time in training, they begin to feel less agitated and more centered by their lives. More peaceful, more aware. That’s the carryover effect of BJJ training on mindfulness. Try it for yourself – I’ve never seen it not work.

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